the mindful traveler

I’ve been contemplating lately how to be more present when all I want is for this windy, gray, and cold weather to go away. The last vestiges of winter are holding on here in PA and on the east coast and I’m done with it.

If you’re feeling the same way due to living in a similar climate, there are three changes you can make to break out of a weather induced mental rut.

1. Change Your Environment.If you have the time and the means, then a short (or long) trip to someplace sunny and warm is an all time favorite to lift the spirits. This is where we can help you; by planning your trip and recommending locations and activities geared towards your desires and needs.

Even if a trip isn’t in your immediate future, taking a bath, lighting candles or incense, and playing music may change the scenery enough to where your thoughts and emotions shift.

2. Change Your Thinking.

It doesn’t cost a thing, but is arguably the hardest of the three changes. Why is that? According to Dr. Joe Dispenza in Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, changing your thoughts without also changing the way you feel in your body doesn’t produce as effective results when trying to transform mental stagnation. Both the mind and body must work together; the mind thinking the thoughts and the body feeling the emotion.

Watching a funny movie, reading an engaging novel, or listening to a guided meditation like iRest or the kind you can find on Insight Timer are all quick and free ways to put you in the higher energy emotions such as joy, love, and gratitude. These activities will get your thoughts and emotions working together and on the route to improving your overall well being.

3. Change Your Body.If the above seems too challenging or your body doesn’t want to sit still, you can change the feelings in the body using activity which will ultimately change your thoughts.

Exercise is a classic producer of endorphins, making the body feel pleasurable and in turn helping to produce more joyful thoughts. In Leaders Eat Last, Simon Sinek talks about how performing an act of kindness for someone or something releases the chemical oxytocin and will make you feel good as well.

People watching you perform the act of kindness also release oxytocin in their bodies; so you really would be spreading joy! Also, the act of touch - getting a long hug or receiving a massage will release oxytocin.

Contact us for a trip design consultation call and sign up for our newsletter for more great tips on both travel and mindfulness.